Some introductory notes on Epicurus
(341-271 BCE)
Things to discuss:
-
His atomism (shape, size, and weight); the swerve;
-
The moral theory associated with his atomism: Hedonism (in
his case, hedonistic egoism) (explain as a theory of value and as a theory of obligation);
Pleasure (VIII 274) as intrinsic good (offer some of the standard criticisms)
-
The natural and necessary desires and pleasures; self- sufficiency,
repose, and prudence
-
Letter p. 271 (on death) Doctrines XIV the
secure life (discuss the releveance of the absence of the afterlife as
a source of anxiety)
-
Look at (in Doctrines) XXIII, XXVII & XXVIII;
XXIX,
Michael Kagan
Le Moyne College
March 28, 2001
Back to Kagan's
Homepage
Back to PHL
101 page